Statewide Omnibus Report

Each year, the University of Minnesota's Center for Survey Research conducts a statewide and metropolitan public opinion telephone survey. A total of 806 households from throughout the state participated in the survey. Survey results are approximately within plus or minus 3.5% of what could be found by surveying the population as a whole. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has participated in the University's annual survey on a regular basis since 1988. This year, Mn/DOT's questions focused on the general directions of public opinion regarding overall satisfaction, snow and ice removal, and construction areas. The questions asked this year were a repeat of similar questions asked in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1994 to determine any changes in opinions.

Each year, the University of Minnesota's Center for Survey Research conducts a statewide and metropolitan public opinion telephone survey. Approximately 800 households from throughout the state participated in the survey. Survey results are expected to be approximately within plus or minus 35% of what could be found for surveying the population as a whole. This years survey contains questions asked in past surveys, thus enabling Mn/DOT to see how public response to the same issues has changed over time. Graphical comparisons are presented to show relative trends between years. A statistically significant change in attitudes and opinions is assumed to be present only when responses reflect a 10% or greater change from past surveys. Differences of less than 10% between any given response are insignificant. All demographic variables discussed in the report are statistically significant and do represent trends in the demographic sub-groups. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has participated in the University's annual survey on a regular basis since 1988. This year, Mn/DOTs questions focused on the general directions of public opinion regarding highway maintenance and highway construction project announcements. The questions asked this year were an exact repeat of general satisfaction, maintenance, and construction management questions asked in 1988 and 1990.

The 1992-1993 Statewide Omnibus Survey focused on transportation funding and satisfaction. Results show satisfaction with the amount of work being done to improve Minnesota's highway system and satisfaction that Minnesota's most important transportation needs are currently being met. In addition, an overwhelming majority of respondents felt that the same or more money should be spent on funding of Minnesota's highways and transit bus service throughout Minnesota.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Mn/DOT has contracted with the University of Minnesota in partnership with their Omnibus survey. The theme of this years survey is transportation and air quality. More automobile traffic and congestion can increase the severity of air quality problems in Minnesota. With the importance of clean air and the effects of vehicle emissions and congestion on air quality, timely information on the public's attitude toward different transportation actions which can influence air quality are more important. Responses to this years survey appear to generally support state transportation programs which will encourage higher vehicle occupancy rates and encourage more transit and carpool usage.

In 1989, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, (Mn/DOT) contracted with the University of Minnesota Center For Survey Research for a survey of public attitudes and opinions about highway construction and safety related issues. The survey was part of a statewide "omnibus" survey, where agencies define and pay for questions that are of special interest to them. In addition to highway construction and safety questions, the 1989 survey included questions on: significant problems in Minnesota, Twin cities attractions, public education, business practices, nonprofit organizations, drunk driving, gambling, bicycle use, Minnesota grown food products and food inspection. Mn/DOT participated in the survey to obtain information on public satisfaction with several highway construction and safety related issues. Survey respondents were asked questions about: -How much driving they did through highway construction areas during the summer of 1989. - How satisfied they were with driving through highway construction work areas. - What was it that made then feel dissatisfied about driving or riding through highway construction work areas. - How safe they felt while driving or riding through highway construction areas. - Whether there was anything about driving or riding through construction zones that made them feel unsafe. - How they preferred to learn about upcoming highway construction projects. This report summarizes the results obtained from a random survey of 804 households in Minnesota. It summarizes how the survey was designed and describes what demographic variables were found to most influence public attitudes and opinions. The Metropolitan Council also participated in a 1989 metropolitan area omnibus survey. This report includes a summary of specific Metropolitan Council survey findings that have applicability to transportation.

In 1988, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) contracted with the University of Minnesota Center For Survey Research for a survey of public attitudes on transportation. The survey was part of a statewide "omnibus" survey, where agencies define and pay for questions that are of special interest to them. Other topics in the 1988 statewide omnibus survey were quality of life, environment, transportation, attractions, aging and education. Mn/DOT participated in the survey to obtain general information on public satisfaction with several transportation issues currently facing the department. These issues included: - The condition of Minnesota's roads. - The amount of work being done to improve Minnesota's highway system. - The safety of Minnesota's roads. - The time it takes to travel to the places you want to go. - Driving through highway construction work areas. This report summarizes the results obtained from the random survey of 1,209 households in Minnesota on each of the questions identified above. It describes how the survey was designed and what demographic variables were found to most influence public satisfaction.

Mn/DOT has conducted an annual Omnibus Study since 1987 (except 2007) to seek out the public's opinion about transportation related projects and the department's performance of its services and activities. Nine Mn/DOT offices participated in this 2008 study. Historical data exists for many of the issues. Specific objectives for this year's survey include determining: > perceptions of Mn/DOT's ability to do a good job at selected services and activities, > perceptions of Mn/DOT's performance in providing selected services, > perceptions of the reliability in Mn/DOT's communications, > perceptions of safety on Minnesota highways, > satisfaction with availability of public transit in the community, > the frequency of riding an outdoor bicycle, familiarity with bicycle laws and perception of bicycle safety, > perceptions of pedestrian safety in Minnesota, > any potential effect of discontinuing funding for Channel 17, as well as usage assessment, > assessing awareness and attitudes towards rumble strips, > knowledge of and preference for speed limits in residential areas, > preferences for alternative sources of financing new transportation construction projects, > perceived priorities for transportation planning initiatives.